A large-scale manhunt is underway in Namsai after four dangerous criminals, including an NSCN insurgent, escaped from the local judicial jail early Sunday morning. The Assam Rifles and CRPF have joined the Namsai police in a concerted search effort to recapture the fugitives.The escaped inmates have been identified as Mineswar Dihingia (37), an NSCN (U) insurgent, Gopal Munda (23), Arjun Kanda (27), and Robin Surin (45).
They managed to flee by breaking the grills of their cell’s ventilators. During their escape, they encountered Pintu Isna, the sole sentry on duty. Isna, who fought fiercely to prevent their escape, was injured in the confrontation and is currently receiving medical treatment. A video capturing Isna’s struggle has gone viral on social media. The incident has raised concerns over jail security, as there was only one sentry on duty due to the absence of the second sentry, who was reportedly on leave. Namsai SP Sangey Thinley has initiated action against several jail officials for negligence.
This escape is part of a troubling pattern in the region. Previous jailbreaks include an April 2017 incident where 12 undertrial prisoners escaped from Chongkham police outpost, and a July 2013 jailbreak where 18 prisoners fled from Chowkham police outpost. In November 2015, four undertrial prisoners escaped from Jully district jail in Itanagar, and in November 2016, seven escaped from Daporijo police station. Recent cases also include a 2023 jailbreak in Tirap, where two NSCN operatives, Roksen Homcha and Titpu Kitnya, escaped after killing a jail guard.
